Pay attention to the 1-star reviews, especially those mentioning the manager, Charles…read more Unfortunately, my experience confirmed many of the concerns raised by other reviewers.
When I first met Charles, I felt uncomfortable with his demeanor, but I assumed it wouldn't be an issue as long as our interactions remained limited. For years, I was a reliable tenant who paid rent on time, followed the rules, and caused no problems. I treated my studio with the utmost respect, as if it were my home.
Because of my initial impressions, I generally avoided interacting with Charles whenever possible. However, that changed a few months ago. After a 16-hour video shoot, while my band and I were loading in our equipment, Charles screamed at me and aggressively confronted my singer, calling her completely untrue and offensive names. He then repeatedly threatened to call 911 while she was waiting for me in the parking lot. What made the situation even more confusing was that he had met her several times before. When I tried to de-escalate the situation and speak with him, he repeatedly told me to "shut up," then continued to scream obscenities, escalating what should have been a routine load-in into a hostile confrontation.
Had Charles not been there that night, or had he spoken with us to understand the reality of the situation, there would have been no issue. We would have stored the equipment safely and respectfully, just as we always had throughout my tenancy. Instead, a routine load-in became one of the most unpleasant experiences I have ever had at a rehearsal facility. Shortly after this incident, I was forced to leave with less than 30 days' notice. By that point, I was ready to move on anyway, as I no longer felt comfortable remaining there, especially with Charles as manager.
Equally disappointing is the lack of accountability from ownership. If you read many of the reviews, you'll notice a pattern of complaints. The owner's responses to those reviews often come across as dismissive and, at times, condescending toward former and prospective tenants. Rather than acknowledging recurring concerns, the responses seem to reinforce the same unprofessional attitude that many reviewers describe. When multiple tenants raise similar issues, they should be taken seriously.
As for the rooms themselves, they have very little sound insulation. You can hear others practicing almost as if they are in the room with you, which can make it difficult to focus depending on the activity around you. The front door lock takes a while to open as the doorknob is janky. For all the years I was a tenant, it wasn't fixed.
The facility itself is clean, and I will give them credit for that. However, of the two restrooms available, it appears that only one has been functional for quite some time.
In addition, I personally found the area on Vose Street uncomfortable at times. There is a noticeable homeless presence, including tents, carts, and people frequently staying along the street. Depending on your comfort level, this may be a factor when deciding whether this location is the right fit for you.
Based on my experience, I cannot recommend renting a studio here. Proceed with caution, especially when dealing with management.
